Digital Governance in India

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India and Bill Gates discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for digital governance in key focus areas like health, agriculture and education.

About the Digital Governance:

• It is the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)for delivering government services, exchange of information, communication transactions, integration of various stand-alone systems and services between government-to-customer (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), government-to-government (G2G), and also back-office processes and interactions within the entire government framework.
• Data Governance is a crucial aspect of digital governance. The launch of India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), a consent management tool, has generated both excitement and concern among stakeholders.
  • It is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner.

Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Digital Governance:

• AI plays a pivotal role in Indian election campaigns by leveraging technology to overcome language barriers, marking a shift towards progressive politics empowering linguistic diversity and inclusive engagement.
• AI is also being used to drive economic growth and improve the lives of citizens.

Key Benefits of Digital Governance:

• Efficiency in Administration, Inclusiveness, Time and Cost Effectiveness, Transparency and Accountability, Data-Driven Decision Making, Empowerment of Citizens, Innovation, Improved Public Services, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development.

Digital Governance and Health:

• The ‘Digital India’ initiative has brought significant changes in the healthcare sector of India. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), CoWIN App, Aarogya Setu, e-Sanjeevani, and e-Hospital have made healthcare facilities and services reach every corner of India.
• The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Number is a hassle-free method of accessing and sharing one’s health records digitally. The Aarogya Setu app has transformed into a National Health App, bringing a whole plethora of digital health services powered by the ABDM.

Digital Governance and Agriculture:

• The National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) was launched to achieve rapid development in India through the use of ICT for timely access to agriculture-related information to the farmers.
• Realising the significance of new digital & emerging technologies, the NeGPA guidelines were amended in 2020-21and funds were released for sanctioning projects for customization/shifting of web & mobile applications already developed by the States, to the platform to be developed using digital/emerging technologies.

Digital Governance and Education:

• Digital Empowerment and Online Education are significant components to attain the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035as targeted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Digital empowerment in the field of education opens up a plethora of options for the learners of today. Digital advancements have wide-ranging implications on higher education.

Other Key Initiatives:

• Digi-Locker:This initiative assists citizens in storing important documents in a digital format, such as degree certificates, PAN numbers, and mark sheets.
  • It makes it easier to share documents and reduces the need for physical documents.
• Mobile Seva:It aims to provide government services via tablets and mobile phones.
• in:It is a platform for national citizen engagement where people can share ideas and get involved in policy and governance issues.
• UMANG:It is a unified mobile application that gives users access to services offered by the federal and state governments.
• Computerisation of Land Records:It ensures that landowners get digital and updated copies of documents relating to their property.
• e-Office:It received an award for its role in ensuring continuity of Government services and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential Threats:

• Cybersecurity Risks:With the increasing dependence on digital systems, the risk of cyber threats has heightened.
  • About 91% of Indian companies experienced ransomware attacks in 2022, and about 55% of these companies reported financial implications.
• Data Privacy Concerns:The implementation of tools like India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) may pose risks associated with security and privacy.
  • If not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be misused or misappropriated.
• Digital Inequality: As the world becomes increasingly digital, there is a risk of digital inequality, where certain sections of the society might not have equal access to digital resources and services.
• Dependence on Service Providers:Remote work has moved digital exchanges from office networks to residential ones, which have a greater variety of connected devices with less protection against cyber intrusion.
• AI-Enabled Threats:With the increasing use of AI in digital governance, there is a risk of AI-enabled threats. AI-powered malware is a top concern for cybersecurity experts.
• Deep Fakes Technology:It can pose serious ethical and social challenges, such as creating fake news, spreading misinformation, violating privacy, and harming reputation.
• Infrastructure Vulnerability:India’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, and communication networks, is vulnerable to cyber attacks that can disrupt essential services and endanger public safety and national security.

Conclusion and Way Ahead:

• Digital governance is transforming the way public services are delivered, making them more efficient, accessible, and transparent.
  • However, it also presents new challenges in terms of data security, privacy, and digital literacy.

As India continues to evolve its digital strategies, it must ensure that they are inclusive, transparent, secure, and conducive to sustainable development.